PACKAGING AND MERCHANDISING DESIGN:FINAL PROJECT/MERCHANDISING & PROMOTIONAL ITEM

 Week 10 - Week 14

SongYang / 0355576

Packaging and Merchandising Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University 

Final Project:Merchandising & Promotional Item

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURES

All lectures have been completed in Exercises

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TASKS 

This project involved designing a new range of peripheral products for the Planto Lekor brand. Planto Lekor specializes in providing plant-based Malaysian cuisine. The scope of the project included packaging design, creation of brand identity elements, and the design of a range of supporting products including coolers, paper cups, recipes, canvas bags and cutlery sets. The goal was to create an overall visual identity that was consistent with the brand values ​​and appealed to a wide audience.

References

 

Fig 1.1 Pinterest Board

Fig 1.2 Product List

Designing Process

• Refrigerator 

Design Idea: As the main equipment for displaying products in stores, the design of the refrigerator should highlight the brand logo and core information. Orange and yellow are selected as the main colors to echo the brand's vitality and warm image.

Design Features:

Brand Logo: The eye-catching Planto Lekor logo is located on the top of the refrigerator, which is easy for consumers to identify.

Information Communication: The slogan "Plant-Powered Malaysian Delights" is included to highlight the core concept of the brand.

Visual Design: A simple design style is consistent with the overall brand image.

Fig 2.1 Refrigerator Design

I designed four posters for the refrigerator. After showing them to my lecturer, Mr. Hamimi, he suggested that I continue working on the third poster. The important thing is that for merchandise, you don’t need to use the product image, you need to focus on the brand.

Fig 2.2 Refrigerator Design

 

I followed Mr. Hamimi's advice and removed the product images and added brand characteristics.

Fig 2.3 Refrigerator Design Mockup

• Paper Cups

Design idea: Paper cups are disposable food and beverage items, emphasizing environmental protection and brand communication. The design should be simple and clear, and easy for consumers to identify.

Design features:

• Brand logo: Use the brand's logo and font to maintain consistency.
• Color matching: Mainly warm orange and beige, conveying the message of health and environmental protection.
• Practicality: The cup lid design is convenient and easy to use, suitable for take-out.

Fig 3.1 Paper Cup Design

I also received feedback from the instructor and chose the third design to continue working on. Fortunately, this design did not have any major problems.

Fig 3.2 Paper Cup Design

I simply adjusted the size and was able to do a mockup.

Fig 3.3 Paper Cup Design Mockup

• Recipe

Design idea: The recipe book aims to provide consumers with healthy and delicious plant-based recipes while promoting brand culture and ideas.

Design features:

• Cover design: concise and clear, using brand colors and logos to highlight brand visual elements.
• Content presentation: Emphasis on "Healthy & Delicious Recipes" to attract consumers who pay attention to healthy eating.

Overall style: warm and natural, in line with the brand's healthy image.

Fig 4.1 Recipe Design

Also choose a third one with a similar style to the other items.

Fig 4.2 Recipe Design

Make a mockup after adjusting the size

Fig 4.3 Recipe Design Mockup

• Canvas Bags 

Design idea: Canvas bags are environmentally friendly daily necessities that can be used as mobile billboards to increase brand exposure.

Design features:

• Pattern design: Combines brand logo and slogan to emphasize the brand's environmental protection concept.
• Material selection: High-quality, reusable and environmentally friendly materials are used.
• Versatility: The size and design of the bag take into account the convenience of daily use.

Fig 5.1 Canvas Bags Design

Also choose a third one with a similar style to the other items.

Fig 5.2 Canvas Bags Design

Make a mockup after adjusting the size

Fig 5.3 Canvas Bags Design Mockup

• Cutlery Sets 

Design concept: The tableware set continues the brand's environmental protection theme and is made of sustainable materials.

Design features:

• Material selection: Sustainable materials are preferred to highlight the brand's environmental protection commitment.
• Packaging design: Simple design style, highlighting the brand logo and core information.
• Convenience of use: The set contains basic tableware, which is easy to carry and use.

Fig 6.1 Cutlery Sets Design

Also choose a third one with a similar style to the other items. But the size I set at first was too short in length and too long in width, so I changed the size.

Fig 6.2 Cutlery Sets Design 

Make a mockup after adjusting the size

Fig 6.3 Cutlery Sets Design Mockup

Promotional Strategy

In the thirteenth week, we were asked to develop a comprehensive promotion strategy to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Consider various channels and strategies to effectively reach the target audience. Customize the promotion strategy according to the specific goals and timeline of the project.

I browsed many marketing methods of well-known brands on Instagram, and I really liked the Instagram homepages of tadaabox and chagge.

Fig 7.1 Screenshot of tadaabox ins homepage.

Fig 7.2 Screenshot of chagee ins homepage.

To increase brand awareness and drive sales, we developed a series of promotional strategies:

• Social media promotion: Use Instagram to post product information to attract target consumers.

• Limited time discounts: Offer discounts during the Double Eleven period to attract consumers to try new products.

• Offline activities: Hold offline tasting events in major cities to allow consumers to experience the products in person.

• Cooperative promotion: Cooperate with well-known vegetarian restaurants to launch cooperative menus to enhance brand influence.

Fig 7.3 Promotional Strategy Plan

I started designing the homepage for my brand, and I designed posters or promotional videos for each event.

Fig 7.4 Restaurant Joint Menu-Canva

Fig 7.5 Location Poster - Canva

Fig 7.6 Double Eleven Poster-Canva

Fig 7.7 Offline Tasting Promotional Video-Canva

Then, I will post the promotional materials I prepared on the brand’s Instagram homepage.

Fig 7.8 Planto Lekor’s Instagram page.

Instagram homepage link：https://www.instagram.com/planto_lekor?igsh=MXNsaXRrMjMzOGRxYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Strategy Presentation & Implementation Plan 

For our promotional strategy we were asked to prepare a visual presentation outlining the merchandise design, promotional strategy and implementation plan. Provide rationale for each design decision and promotional strategy, highlighting how they contribute to brand objectives and consumer engagement.

Fig 8.1 Strategy Presentation & Implementation Plan-PDF 

FINAL OUTCOMES 

5 Promotional Strategy 

Fig 9.1 Refrigerator

Fig 9.2 Paper Cup

Fig 9.3 Canvas Bags

Fig 9.4 Recipe 

Fig 9.5 Cutlery Sets

Posts on Instagram

Fig 10.1 Restaurant Joint Menu

Fig 10.2 Double Eleven Poster

Fig 10.3 Location Poster

Fig 10.4 Offline Tasting Promotional Video

Fig 10.5 Planto Lekor’s Instagram page.

Fig 10.6 Final Strategy Presentation & Implementation Plan-PDF 

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FEEDBACK

week 10 : For merchandise, you don’t need to use the product image. Focus on the brand. Need to come up with more option

week 11 : Apply it into the mock up?

week 12: Ideas 1.3.4 can be continued.

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REFLECTION

Experience

The experience of expanding Planto Lekor's brand identity across various products was both challenging and rewarding. Designing items like reusable cups and a branded refrigerator display allowed for creative exploration within the brand's established visual framework. The task of developing a comprehensive promotional strategy was also enlightening, as it required a deep dive into understanding the target audience and finding effective ways to communicate the brand's values of health and sustainability.

Observation

One key observation was the importance of maintaining a cohesive brand identity across all products and promotional materials. Consistency in design elements, such as color schemes and typography, reinforced the brand's presence and made it easily recognizable. Additionally, the use of diverse promotional channels, including social media and in-person events, demonstrated the need for a multifaceted approach to reach different audience segments effectively.

Findings

The project underscored the value of a strong, consistent visual identity in enhancing brand recognition and recall. It also highlighted the effectiveness of a varied promotional strategy that includes both digital and physical channels. Interactive experiences, such as tastings and workshops, proved to be particularly impactful, as they provided direct consumer engagement and real-time feedback, making it easier to communicate the product's benefits and convert interest into sales.